Definition

Adverb 1. At a previous time; formerly; in the past. Indicates that a situation or action was true or happened in a period of time that has now ended. 2. Simultaneously; at the same time. Indicates that multiple actions or events occurred concurrently.

Usage Examples

• Meaning 1 (formerly):
  • He was a successful businessman at one time, but he lost everything in the recession.
  • This building at one time served as the town's main library.
• Meaning 2 (simultaneously):
  • The machine can process several documents at one time.
  • She can only focus on one task at one time; she doesn't like multitasking.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often introduces a contrast between a past and present state, especially when using the first meaning.
  • At one time, this software was industry standard, but it's now obsolete.
• When meaning "simultaneously," it is frequently used with limits or capacities (e.g., ).

Variants and Related Words

• Once (adv.): At one time in the past. ()
• Formerly (adv.): In the past; at an earlier time. ()
• Simultaneously (adv.): At the same time. ()
• Concurrently (adv.): At the same time; simultaneously. ()

Synonyms

• Meaning 1: Once, formerly, previously, heretofore, in the past.
• Meaning 2: Simultaneously, concurrently, at once, together, all at once.

Related Phrases

• At a time: This phrase is closely related, especially to the second meaning. It is used to indicate a specific number of items or actions handled in a single group or instance.
  • Please enter the numbers one at a time.
  • The system upgrades users in batches of ten at a time.

Adverb

1. at a previous time;
   • at one time he loved her
   • her erstwhile writing
   • she was a dancer once
2. simultaneously
   • he took three cookies at a time